Tralee students are among the thousands who will receive their Leaving Certificate results on Wednesday. Billy Ryle gives some advice on what follows…

The eagerly awaited Leaving Cert exam results will be issued by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to about 60,000 candidates nationwide this Wednesday.

The anticipation is intense this year as the results are based on a new H (Higher) and O (Ordinary) grading system and a new CAO common points system.

The results dovetail nicely with the Rose of Tralee Festival so celebrate your achievement. However, during the next few weeks carefully consider your options and keep a close eye on the important college deadlines.

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The early indications are that Leaving Cert results achieved in Kerry are very good, so offers of third level college places will flood into the region on Monday, 21st August, when the first round of college offers is issued by the Central Applications Office (CAO).

TIMELINE

• Leaving Cert results will be available early in schools on Wednesday morning and, from 12noon, online at www.examinations.ie

• CAO Round One offers and points requirements will be available from 6am on Monday 21st August at www.cao.ie

• CAO Round Two offers and points requirements will be available from 6am on Thursday, 31st August at www.cao.ie

• Viewing of marked scripts will be held on Friday, 1st September from 6.00pm to 9.00pm (Session 1), Saturday, 2nd September from 9.00am to 12.00 noon (Session 2) and Saturday, 2nd September from 2.00pm to 5.00 pm (Session 3).

• Accept CAO Round Two offer by 5.15pm on Wed., 6th September at www.cao.ie

• Closing date for receipt by the SEC of Leaving Cert appeal applications is Wednesday, 6th September. The appeal fee is €40 (LC) or €15.50 (LCA) per subject.

• CAO offer season end on 18th October at 5.15pm

• Results of Leaving Cert subject appeals will be released in Mid-October.

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PLC COURSES: Many Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses still have vacancies. The majority of PLC courses are offered at Level 5. A number are offered at Level 6 and the entire list of PLC courses can be found on www.qualifax.ie.or www.fetchcourses.ie

SOLAS: If you are interested in an apprenticeship or a traineeship, register at your local Training Centre. Check the Solas website, www.solas.ie, or Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB) website, www.kerryetb.ie, for further information.

FAILTE IRELAND: If you are attracted to a career at the craft level of work in the hotel, catering and tourism industry make contact with Failte Ireland, www.fáilteireland.ie.

TEAGASC: If a career in agriculture and horticulture appeals to you, then make contact with Teagasc, which provides a variety of courses in the agricultural and horticultural areas. Teagasc website address is www.teagasc.ie.

GAP YEAR: An increasing number of young people are now availing of a year out after the Leaving Cert in order to gain work experience or to travel. A year out is a maturing experience and allows an extra year to make the transition from second level education.

REPEAT LC: If you feel that your results don’t adequately reflect your ability, it is well worth considering a return to school to repeat the exam. Most repeat students considerably increase their points. A more competitive result in the Leaving Cert Exam might be in your best interests in the long run.

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HELPLINE: If you have any concerns about your results or if you need some advice, avail of the confidential helpline which is staffed by Guidance Counsellors, providing advice and guidance for candidates and their parents.

The help line operates on Wednesday 16th August (10am-7pm), Thursday, 17th August (10am–7pm) and Friday, 18th August (10am-1pm) following the release of Leaving Cert results. The help line will also be available on Monday, 21st August (8am-7pm), Tuesday,22nd August (8am-7pm) and Wednesday, 23rd August (8am-1pm) following the release of CAO offers. The free phone number is 1800 265 165.

GOOD LUCK: So, even though you’ll be relieved to have your Leaving Cert results in your hand, don’t take your eye off the ball. Be aware of the timeline and take the appropriate steps to finalise your next move. Good luck to all candidates, who are receiving Leaving Cert results.